Lansing boys run streak to three

This "new season" thing seems to be working just fine for the Lansing High boys basketball team.

After posting a 3-7 record during their first 10 games, the Lions opted to scrap the first half of the year, regroup and start anew. Since then they've rattled off three straight victories, the latest being a 60-44 win Tuesday night against the Perry-Lecompton Kaws at Johnsmeyer Gymnasium.

"Right now we're 3-0," LHS coach Don Allen said. "That's the way we're looking at it. That's the way these guys are looking at it."

The biggest difference between the first 10 games and the last three is that the Lions are knocking down open shots. They weren't doing that earlier in the year. In fact, they struggled to hit 35 percent of their field goals during those first 10 games. Then, after making just 16 of 50 shots in the win against Tonganoxie, Lansing has hit 42 of 80 shots in the last two games.

During that time, senior Cody Mohan has consistently knocked down his pullup jumper and senior Matt Warner has found his stroke from beyond the arc. Senior Chris Wagner also has rediscovered his shot - he poured in a career-high 30 points Friday night against Basehor-Linwood.

"We're getting more fluid, getting more composure and playing together," said Mohan, who scored a game-high 17 points against Perry. "It's all just falling in for us. We're working hard and we're doing what we need to do to win games."

Lansing (6-7 overall, 4-3 Kaw Valley League) now has won three in a row, but the real measuring stick will be brought out at 7:30 p.m. Friday when LHS plays host to the league's top team, Mill Valley.

The Jaguars (12-1, 6-0) beat the Lions, 60-44, on Dec. 16. In that game, the Lions played poorly and were outhustled. If the last three games are any indication, however, Friday's game should be different.

"The way we've been playing gives us confidence going against one of the bigger schools, one of the better teams in the league," Mohan said. "We're confident in each other and everything is coming together. If we stick to the plan, play fundamentally and don't force a lot, I think we'll be alright."

SUB-STATE TAKES SHAPE

With three weeks left in the regular season, Lansing's Class 5A substate bracket is beginning to take shape. Here is a look at how the bracket would unfold as of now: Mill Valley (12-1); Seaman (11-3); Highland Park (11-3); Gardner-Edgerton (10-4); Lansing (6-7); Topeka West (6-7); Paola (6-8); Shawnee Heights (3-11).